….says ZAF should focus on drones/monitor air space
By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union President and former Zambia Air Force soldier, Ackim Antony Njobvu has criticized the ZAF’s involvement in mealie meal production, saying it’s not their core business.
NJobvu says ZAF should focus on making drones for agriculture and health, and protecting the country’s airspace, especially with mineral movements needing air monitoring.
He says as country, Zambia seem to have lost its strategic posture and direction, saying current leaders don’t seem to understand where to go.
“What is the Air Force doing in the business of making mealie meal.? I now understand why America is saying we give you aid and you give us minerals,” he lamented.
The outspoken politician has charged that Zambia needs leadership renewal, further calling on “young minds” to take their space.
“The country’s ability to generate ideas and progress has plateaued,” he added
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has ventured into mealie meal production as part of the government’s Presidential Price Stabilisation Initiative.
Defence minister, Ambrose Lufuma launched the brand in Ndola during the ZAF Expo and marathon.
Government argues that the move aims to increase the supply of mealie meal and help stabilise prices of the country’s staple food.
The project involves the ZAF cultivating maize, with over 600 hectares of maize crops in Mbala, Northern Province, expected to yield 10 tons per hectare.
Government further claims that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Zambia Defence Forces to contribute to national food security, with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) also involved in large-scale agriculture and milling.